Should I go to a Water Park at Disney World?

The answer to this question is not one-size-fits all. It varies by age and trip length, as well as the personal preferences of your group:

If you are a thrill seeker, you should visit Blizzard Beach. Its Summit Plummet is the world’s third tallest and fastest straight-drop water slide. Many think it’s the scariest ride in all of Disney World.

If you have tweens and teens in your party, they may enjoy the water parks more than the theme parks.

If you are staying at Disney World for more than 7 days, we recommend a water park day.

Also remember that often people tend to spend half a day at the water parks, so this might be a good plan for a day that you plan to park hop or see other sites – such as Disney Springs.

The water parks are the most popular during the warmest months, which is no surprise. For information on what to expect at Disney World throughout the year, check out our Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar.

Which Disney Water Park is better, Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon?

Each park has some things that are better than its counterpart. So, depending on what you are looking for, the “best water park” may be different.

To help you decide, we are giving you the “best” of a variety of areas of interest.

Best Thrill Slide: Blizzard Beach
If you are looking for thrill rides, both parks have them, but for the biggest thrill - head to Blizzard Beach and try the Summit Plummet. It is arguable the scariest attraction at Disney World. Do yourself a favor and obey cast member instructions to cross your hands and feet on this one.

Best Pool Area: Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon by a long shot. With the world's largest wave pool AND sandy beach areas to relax on, there is something for everyone at Typhoon Lagoon's pool.

Best Theme: Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach have very different themes. Typhoon Lagoon looks like a wrecked tropical paradise. Blizzard Beach looks like a melting northern ski resort, with little lush greenery. Instead, there are lots of pine trees and what looks like melting, slushy snow.
Why Typhoon Lagoon? Even though it is less intensely themed than its sister, it just feels more natural to be in a wrecked tropical paradise than it does a half-melted ski resort. Palm trees feel more fitting than pine trees surrounding a pool.

Best Family Raft Ride: Blizzard Beach
The ride length is great, and the tube can accommodate most families without any need to split up into smaller groups.

Best Play Area for Small Children: Typhoon Lagoon
Ketchakiddee Creek at Typhoon Lagoon is a fantastic young kids' play area.

Interactive Maps

Explore the map and click on the icons. You will find detailed information on the attractions, restaurants, shops, and points of interest.

Blizzard Beach Map

In Blizzard Beach, the lands are named Ground Level, and upon Mount Gushmore – the Green Slope, the Red Slope, and the Purple Slope. We don’t find the land designations as useful as they are in the theme parks.

Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon Theme and Backstory

In 1989, a massive typhoon ripped through a tropical paradise and wreaked havoc. During the intense storm, an ill-fated shrimp boat named Miss Tilly was impaled upon a huge mountain, Mount MayDay.

And there she is to this day.

The theme of Typhoon Lagoon’s 56 acres is that of a wrecked tropical paradise.

At Typhoon Lagoon, you will find lush greenery, lots of driftwood-inspired decor, fish nets, rocks, sand, pretty much everything you need to pull off the ravaged tropical island look.

Typhoon Lagoon Park Information

Typhoon Lagoon Park Hours

Typhoon Lagoon has normal operating hours of 10 AM to 6 PM.

What is the best time to go to the water parks during the day?

Generally, first thing in the morning or late afternoon are good times to hit the water parks.

Florida is known for its early afternoon rain storms, and the parks tend to clear out after these, leaving lots of places to set up your stuff and shorter lines for the attractions.

This can lead to a rushed feeling, though, as the parks close at 6 PM, and no longer have extra magic hours.

When is Typhoon Lagoon closed during the year?

From October through March, only one of the water parks will be open, the other will be closed for refurbishment for 2-3 months. While it is closed, its sister park will be open.

There may also be attraction closings that occur intermittently throughout the year.

Typhoon Lagoon Lockers and Locker Rooms

Typhoon lagoon has keyless lockers. They are opened with a PIN (Personal Identification Number) of your choice. Lockers can be accessed multiple times per day for a one-time charge.

To rent a locker, visit one of the electronic kiosks in one of the locker areas and select the size you want, regular or large.

Typhoon Lagoon Regular Locker:

Dimensions: 12.5″ x 10″ x 17″

$10 per day

Typhoon Lagoon Large Locker:

Dimensions: 15.5″ x 13″ x 17″

$15 per day

Once you have paid, you will select a 4-digit PIN that will open your assigned locker throughout the day.

The kiosks accept U.S. currency and major credit cards. All lockers are subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

The lockers are no longer accessed with a key, only your PIN.

Locker Rooms at Typhoon Lagoon are denoted on the map above.

Typhoon Lagoon Towels

You can either bring your own towels or rent towels when you get to the park.

At Typhoon Lagoon, locker rental spots are located at High ‘N Dry Rentals. If High ‘N Dry is closed, towels can be rented at Singapore Sal’s.

Typhoon Lagoon Ticket and Price

Typhoon Lagoon tickets can be purchased separately or as part of a Walt Disney World Resort reservation by selecting a “Magic Your Way” package.

Typhoon Lagoon single ticket prices sold through Disney are $62 for an adult, and $56 for a child aged 3-9. These can be purchased in advance and are good for many months. A reduced price is available if you are willing to accept blackout dates.

Children under 3 always get into Disney parks free, accompanied by an adult.

You can buy a vacation package that includes hotel accommodations and theme park tickets. Under the “Base Package” option, visiting a water park will cost you one of your allotted park days. You will not be able to go to another park that day.

The “Park Hopper Plus” package provides access to all four theme parks and both water parks, every day.

Gangplank Falls

Crush ‘n’ Gusher

Crush ‘n’ Gusher is Typhoon Lagoon’s ‘water coaster.’ It is three thrills slides that lead to a common pool at the bottom. Rafts are propelled by water jets through hairpin turns and drop-offs.

There are three slides, the Pineapple Plunger, Banana Blaster, and Coconut Crusher. They can be boarded using a single tube, or a a double tube if you want to go down in a pair.

Miss Adventure Falls

Typhoon Lagoon opened a new family raft ride, Miss Adventure Falls, in March of 2017. It tells the story of a Captain Mary Oceaneer—a sea-faring treasure hunter whose treasure was caught in the typhoon that ‘created’ the park and scattered debris all over the park.

This raft ride accommodates up to 4 people, but fitting 4 adults on this ride might be a challenge. You are shot into action by a conveyor belt, which is a fun touch. Try to spot all the scattered treasure as you twist and turn down the plume!

You may even meet the Captain Mary’s old diving partner—a talking parrot who can still be found hunting for the lost treasures to this day.

Mayday Falls

Inner tube ride down a slide with a rough rapids feel. This is the longest water slide at Typhoon Lagoon.

Keelhaul Falls

Single tube water slide with smoother ride, spiraling down through water falls and a cave.

Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool

The world’s largest wave pool, with 6 foot high waves every 90 seconds during certain times of the day. Check the chalkboard for the day’s wave schedule. You can plan to go when waves are tame, or when they are humungous.

Castaway Creek Lazy River

Shark Reef

This area has closed. Miss Adventure Falls now takes up some of that real estate.

Bay Slides

Beginner slide designed for toddlers with gentle slopes that ending in a secluded southwest corner of the Typhoon Lagoon Wave Pool.

Learn to Surf

Typhoon Lagoon Pool Area

At the Typhoon Lagoon surf pool, Disney is making waves all day long. These vary from gentle to ‘big kahuna.’ There is a chalkboard near the edge of the beach that has the day’s wave schedule.

This pool is generally a big hit with older kids, teens and adults.

If you don’t feel like getting in on the big wave action to be found in the deep end, no worries. Hang out in the shallow, gentle waters or just lounge on the sandy white beaches.

Typhoon Lagoon Beach Area

Called “The Sandy White Beach,” the Typhoon Lagoon beach area surrounds the Typhoon Lagoon attraction. The sands border the shallows.

There is a good deal of space to lounge and watch the rolling waves.

There are many free beach chairs all over Typhoon Lagoon. We recommend you stake out a home base area while you are there. We’ve marked out favorite “spots” on the map.

Typhoon Lagoon Lounge Areas

There are multiple lounge areas throughout Typhoon Lagoon. We recommend staking out a lounge chair in a shady spot early – or looking around for a new one after a rainstorm. We’ve marked out favorite “spots” on the map.

Private, shaded areas called Beachcomber Shacks can be rented at Typhoon Lagoon for a premium. The area is only accessible by MagicBand. These roofed cabanas come with lounge chairs, towels, a locker, a cooler, an all-day drink mug, and an attendant who brings food and beverages.

Getaway Glen Umbrellas is another premium, reserved seating option. A reservation can be used by up to four people and comes with an umbrella, two loungers, two low beach chairs, a cocktail table, and four towels. A waiter is not provided.

Advanced reservations are highly recommended as they are released on a first-come, first-served basis. For reservations, call 407- 939-7529.

You can ask also about same-day availability at High ‘N Dry Rentals upon arrival at the park. You may be redirected to inquire at Singapore Sal’s on occasion.

You can find them on the maps above.

Typhoon Lagoon Play Area for Small Children

At Typhoon Lagoon, toddlers and preschoolers can romp in a great toddler splash pad and beach area called Ketchakkiddee Creek. It is well-themed and a great place to let your littlest ones cool off.

You will find side-by-side mini slides, a mini inner tube rapids ride, crawl chutes, animal-shaped fountains, a cave with a waterfall, and water cannons.

According to Disney World’s official website, “kid-friendly tunes and a small, sandy beach make this “water-opolis” the perfect playground for kids who aren’t yet ready for the big leagues but still want to make a splash.”

Typhoon Lagoon Restaurants

Checkout the interactive Typhoon Lagoon map above and click on the individual restaurant icons for current menus and photos.

Leaning Palms – A counter service restaurant that can be found near the main entrance. There is shaded seating and picnic tables that can be found outside the restaurant.

Typhoon Tilly’s – A snack stand that is located north of the Leaning Palms.

Happy Landings Ice Cream – Happy Landings Ice Cream sells ice cream and other light refreshments. It is located between Castaway Creek and the Getaway Glenn picnic area, at the front of the park.

Blizzard Beach

Blizzard Beach Theme and Backstory

Following a freak Florida snow storm, someone with poor business acumen built Florida’s first ski resort. As you might expect, the snow soon melted.

Left behind were a bunch of ski jumps and chair lifts that were water-logged and useless. Suddenly, the operators heard an loud, “YAHOOOOO!’

Ice Gator, a blue alligator, came careening down a mountain of melting snow wearing a red scarf and a gold inner tube.

The now-mascot landed in a pool of melted snow at the base of the mountain with a big splash…

…and Blizzard Beach was born in 1995.

Blizzard Beach is a themed as a melted, slushy ski resort with chair lifts and ski slopes covered with melting snow, with resultant gushing water. There are lots of pine (both trees and wood), rocks, and mounds of “snow.” It is sprawls over 66 acres.

Expect pines instead of palms inside this park. It has a rustic, mountain theming that takes its visual cues from a northern ski resort, flora included.

Picture yourself sliding, in various ways, down a half-melted ski slope. That’s the gist.

Blizzard Beach Park Information

Blizzard Beach Park Hours

Blizzard Beach both has normal operating hours of 10 AM to 6 PM.

What is the best time to go to the water parks during the day?

Generally, first thing in the morning or afternoon are good times to hit the water parks.Florida is known for its afternoon rain storms, and the parks tend to clear out after these, leaving lots of places to set up your stuff and shorter lines.This can lead to a rushed feeling, though, as the parks close at 6 PM, and no longer have extra magic hours.

When is Blizzard Beach closed during the year?

From October through March, only one of the water parks will be open, the other will be closed for refurbishment for 2-3 months. While it is closed, its sister park will be open.

There may also be attraction closings that occur intermittently throughout the year.

Blizzard Beach Lockers and Locker Rooms

Blizzard Beach has keyless lockers. They are opened with a PIN of your choice. Lockers can be accessed multiple times per for a one-time charge.

To rent a locker, visit one of the electronic kiosks in a locker area and select the size you want, regular or large.

Blizzard Beach Regular Locker:

Dimensions: 12.5″ x 10″ x 17″

$10 per day

Blizzard Beach Large Locker:

Dimensions: 15.5″ x 13″ x 17″

$15 per day

Once you have paid, you will select a 4-digit PIN that will open your assigned locker throughout the day.

The kiosks accept U.S. currency and major credit cards. All lockers are subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

Locker Rooms at Blizzard Beach can be found on the map above.

Keys are no longer used with the lockers, only PINs.

Blizzard Beach Towels

You can either bring your own towels or rent towels. Towels at Blizzard Beach can be rented at Shoeless Joe’s for $2 each. They can also be purchased at the Beach Haus or Shoeless Joe’s.

Blizzard Beach Tickets and Price

Typhoon Lagoon tickets can be purchased separately or as part of a Walt Disney World Resort reservation by selecting a “Magic Your Way” package.

Single park tickets with no blockout dates are $62 for an adult and $56 for a child 3-9. Children under 3 get in free at all Disney parks.

You can use a park day from your Base Package (number of park days purchased) but that will be the only park you will be able to go to that day.

You can upgrade to the “Park Hopper Plus” options when you are purchasing your tickets to Disney World. This will give you park hopper access to all four theme parks and both water parks all in one day without having to purchase additional park tickets.

Blizzard Beach Attractions

Summit Plummet

Oh, the Summit Plummet. This one is a serious thrill ride. Although it only lasts a few seconds, dropping 120 ft at speeds up to 60 mph is a rush.

It is the tallest slide at Disney World, and the third tallest and third fastest straight drop water slide in the entire world. It is considered the flagship ride of Blizzard Beach.

If you have a thrill seeker in the group that wants to tick off all of Disney’s scary rides, this one should be on the list. The height requirement is 48 inches.

TeamBoat Springs

TeamBoat streas is the world’s longest family white-water raft ride at approximately 1,400 feet long.

Guests ride in group rafts that fit 4-6 people.

It feels like a long trip down a mountain through whitewater, with everyone in the party at risk of being drenched. Guests careen down a series of wide twists, turns and waterfalls. The slide banks left and right unpredictably. It is a fun family ride.

Slush Gusher

This is a 90 foot tall and 250 foot long slide. It is a body slide (no mat or tube). Riders can reach speeds of 35 miles per hour. Air time can be achieved on this slide as it twice levels off only to drop very quickly!

Downhill Double Dipper

This is one of the world’s only side-by-side racing tube slides. The slides are 50 feet high and are 230 feet long. Guests can reach speeds of up to 25 mph. The ride is dotted with internationally recognized ski racing graphic elements and flags. Each rider is timed by clocks that count-off each downhill heat. Gates hold back riders until it is time for the race to begin, so there is no benefit to trying to push off to beat your opponent. This can be found on Mount Gushmore, the giant ski hill. (Height requirement: 48 in.)

Snow Stormer

A water slide that guests ride down on a mat. Slalom gates like those found in ski races carve out the switch-back course of this ride. Guests lie on their stomach on the mat. You do not need to bring a mat up to the slide. The mat pickup is at the top of attraction.

Toboggan Racers

Toboggan Racers is an 8-lane, 250-foot water slide. The attraction has some exciting dips as guests head down the “snowy” slope on the side of Mount Gushmore. Guests lie on their stomach. You do not need to bring a mat up to the slide. The mat pickup is at the top of attraction. There is no height requirement.

Runoff Rapids

Currently closed for refurbishment.

A 600-foot inner tube slide that has two open tubes and one enclosed tube. Guests head down flumes that twist and turn. Tubes are available at the bottom of the attraction. Guests must be able to walk in order to ride Runoff Rapids, Stairs are the only way to access this slide.

Melt-Away Bay:

A wave pool found at the base of Mount Gushmore. It is approximately 1 acre in size. This attraction has constant low-grade bobbing waves due to runoff from all the “melting snow” and waterfalls.

Cross Country Creek:

A 3,000-foot (914 m) lazy river that guests enjoy while on rafts. It is a slow-moving water attraction that travels around the edge of the Blizzard Beach. Guests can get on and off at 7 entrances and exits located throughout the park for this attraction. Tubes can be found at any of these locations. To ride the entire lazy river, expect to spend 20-30 minutes.There is an ice cave through which guests pass, and they can expect to be hit by melting snow and ice from overhead.

Ski Patrol Training Camp

A water play area for school-aged children. Features an over-water obstacle course, zip lines, and intermediate slides.

Leisure Pool- Guests under 12 can cross the pool by walking across “iceburgs” and holding onto the nets above them

Freezin’ Pipe Springs – A short body slide (no mat or tube) that sends guests into the same water area as Fahrenheit Drops. No height restriction.

Fahrenheit Drop – (Also referred to as the “T-Bar”). This is a rope drop that deposits guests into 8.5 ft of water (Height requirement: must be shorter than five feet tall).

Cool Runners – Inner tube slide

The Chairlift

This is a “one-way” chairlift ride to the top of Mount Rushmore. Guests must be ambulatory to ride it. It carries up to 3 guests over from the beach at the base of Mount Gushmore all the way to its summit. (Height requirement: 32 in to ride, 48 in to ride alone.)

A gondola is also provided for disabled guests.

Blizzard Beach Pool Area

The Blizzard Beach pool is called Melt-Away Bay, and it is located at the base of Mount Gushmore.

The water runoff cascades into the huge wave pool. It has gentle, bobbing waves. Guests can float on an inner tube or let the gentle waves lap their toes.

The waves are big enough that they are exciting to school-age kids, tween, teens and adults, but gentle enough that guests can take a leisurely float as well.

Blizzard Beach Beach Area

There are nice sandy, white beaches that ring the giant pool at Blizzard Beach, Melt-Away Bay. There are lounge chairs positioned on the beach and in other areas around the park that you are free to use.

Blizzard Beach Lounge Areas

Many lounge chairs are positioned around the park and are free to use. There is even a secluded spot that is relatively unknown. You’ll find it on the interactive map above!

Polar Patio Cabanas can be rented for a premium and that include lounge chairs under a large umbrella, towels, a locker, a cooler, all-day drink mugs, and an attendant that brings food and beverages. The area is only accessible by MagicBand.

The Lodge Picnic Umbrellas are another reserved seating option. They have two reclining lounge chairs, a table, an umbrella and towels. A maximum of four guests can use this reserved space.

Advanced reservations are highly recommended as they are released on a first-come, first-served basis. For reservations, call 407- 939-7529.

You can also ask about same-day availability at High ‘N Dry Rentals upon arrival.

Blizzard Beach Play Area for Small Children

Tikes Peak

Blizzard Beach has a cute play area for toddlers and preschoolers called Tike’s Peak. It boasts tamer, smaller versions of others slides and attractions at Blizzard Beach for the younger set. A snow-castle water play area with water jets is located there.

Guests can find picnic benches in Tike’s Peak area for a relaxing snack or meal. (Height requirement: under 48 in.)

The pavement can get hot, so we recommend that guests wear non-slip water shoes to protect the soles of their feet!

Blizzard Beach Restaurants

Please see our interactive Blizzard Beach map above and click on the individual restaurant icons for additional information, including current menus and photos.

Avalunch – Counter-service restuarant that offers entrees, snacks and refreshments, including alcoholic beverages. Avalunch is located next to the entrance of the Chairlift.

Frostbite Freddy’s -Bar located adjacent to Snowless Joe’s in the Village.

Lottawatta Lodge – This is the main counter service restaurant and eating area at Blizzard Beach. Ski lodge providing outdoor covered seating. It is the main counter service area.

Blizzard Beach Shops

Snowless Joe’s – Rent lockers and towels and get complimentary lifejackets. This is located near the changing rooms at ground level in the village.

The Beach Haus – This is the main store and rental location at Blizzard Beach. Here you can rent towels, rent wheelchairs, and borrow lifejackets. You can buy swimwear, sunglasses, footwear, and other sundries. It can be found at ground level in the village, in-between the Main Entrance and Lottawatta Lodge.

Planning Tips / Know Before You Go – A Must Read

These planning tips apply equally to both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

Find a spot to situate yourself for the day. Go early for the best lounge chairs or shady picnic spots and set up home base. Unlike at the other amusement parks, you will want a place to call your own for a day at the water parks.

Do not bring glass or alcohol. Coolers are okay.

You can buy alcohol in either park at several different locations.

Follow all cast member instructions. Crossing your arms and legs can be the difference between a great ride and a terrible ride.

Following an afternoon rainstorm, there are often many empty lounge chairs.

Bring water shoes to protect your feet from hot pavement. This is especially true if you are bring a toddler or preschooler.

Diaper-age children must wear plastic pants or swim diapers in pool areas.

For women planning to go down speed slides, consider a one-piece bathing suit. Occasionally, suit tops arrive at the bottom of the slide slightly after the guest.

Water temperature is maintained at a comfortable 75-80 degrees F.

Swim attire must be appropriate for a family environment. Do not wear swim attire that has buckles, rivets, zippers or exposed metal. Inappropriate swim attire is not allowed on any attraction.

Jeans (denim) and wetsuits (neoprene) are not permitted on the following attractions at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park: Bay Slides, Humunga Kowabunga, Ketchakiddee Creek and Storm Slides.

If you’re interested in off site water parks and have young kids, also Legoland water park (although it’s quite a commute).

Let us know your Disney Water Parks tips in the comments. Or, if you’re planning a trip, feel free to ask any questions about the water parks!